Most people who visit Champagne go to one or two of the big champagne houses, have a good meal in a local restaurant and that's about it
Here's a different and a very good reason for visiting Champagne that you may never have thought of.
Every year on the first full weekend in November the Reims Wine Fair takes place in the Exhibition Centre in Reims. It's not a very attractive building but it's what's goes on inside that will really interest you.
A hundred or more independent wine growers from all over France gather together to sell their wares.
As you enter you pay the princely sum of €5, collect your tasting glass and then you can be off for a fabulous journey amongst the dozens, and probably hundreds, of stalls where you can taste, chat with the wine maker and buy at some really great prices. There are a few champagne makers represented, but it's certainly not all champagne; in fact you can find wine from just about every corner of France
Around the edges of the hall you'll find dozens of stalls selling the most delicious looking and smelling foods too : cheese, sausages, honey, oysters, spices, bread and much more.
If you're looking to stock up for Christmas the Reims Wine Fair is a superb place to do it. Very few English people know about it, but believe me it's well worth the trip. When I was living in Champagne we went every year and each time seemed to be better than the last.
It makes a fascinating change from the usual tourist tracks and I am sure you'll agree if you try it.
I'm taking a group of 12 people over for the day this year and I know we'll have a lot of fun. If you'd like to know more e-mail me at sparkle@champagne-discovery.co.uk
Jiles Halling
Champagne events - a fun, styish and original way to entertain your corporate and private clients
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